Mac spikers host Bethel Wednesday in KCAC opener

By Steve Sell

August 30, 2016

McPherson College’s volleyball team is picked to finish in the bottom half of the KCAC standings.

But after an encouraging performance in the Missouri Valley Invitational over the weekend, the Bulldogs certainly have their sights set higher than the No. 8 spot they were accorded by the conference coaches.

Mac went 2-2 in Missouri, a tournament where KCAC member Bethany College went 0-4. It was the debut under new coach Jessica Cleveland and she noted that the two schools the Bulldogs lost to, Oklahoma City University and Missouri Valley, will be better than about any other teams Mac plays this year.

“This tournament and playing well is what we needed to prepare for conference and make that turn in the program,” Cleveland said. “I am very proud of how the team performed this week.”

Now Cleveland makes her conference debut when the Bulldogs host Bethel College on Wednesday in a 7 p.m. match at the Sport Center. The Threshers have been one of the most consistent programs in the KCAC for years and figure to be a strong favorite.

But the Threshers have to know this might be a different Mac team.

“We are a well-balanced team and I'm excited to show the conference what we can do,” Cleveland said.

Mac had several strong performances over the weekend, including Lexi Kite as she was voted to the All-Tournament Team. She didn’t back down in the Missouri Valley match as she sparkled in defeat.

“Kite was on fire, serving aggressive, digging balls and putting a ball straight down against them,” Cleveland said.

Following Wednesday’s dual, the Bulldogs will host a triangular on Saturday. Stephens College and University of Science and Arts will provide the competition. Mac plays the 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. matches.